System and method for discovering and categorizing attributes of a digital image

ABSTRACT

With respect to photography, the present invention includes a physical target device used in conjunction with computer software to ascertain and record such attributes as lighting conditions, perspective, and scale with regard to the assembly of two-dimensional photographic imagery, consisting of background and subject images, into realistic photo composites.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to computer and photograph manipulationsystems and machine vision technologies in general, and particularly tocomputer image processing software in the field of digital imaging andcinematography for creating virtual reality composite photographs andcomposite motion pictures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Photographs of people and products are traditionally captured byphotographers who travel to distant locations for the purpose ofproducing imagery for merchandise catalogs, magazine advertisements,sales collateral and the like. The photographer is tasked with capturingthe subject and a desirable background in camera, as one singlephotograph. This is common practice in photographing clothing, cars,furniture, house goods, etc. Computer image manipulation software suchas Adobe PhotoShop® provides the ability to alter and transform digitalpictures in a variety of ways. For instance, imaging applications havethe ability to transpose one image over another in sequential layers.Additionally, these digital image manipulation programs provide a meansto artistically transform sections of an image to create special visualeffects such as, adding simulated shadow and reflections, color tone andhue alterations, scale and rotation translations, and so forth. Animportant concept in creating realistic composite photography is tomaintain consistent lighting, perspective and scale between the variouselements of a composite image. When multiple image layers are mergedinto a single montage, digital artists and cinematographerstraditionally take great care in recording and visually matchinglighting, perspective, and scale attributes between each photographicelement of a composite photograph or motion picture frame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method to decipher and recordattribute information, such as lighting, perspective, and scale fromtwo-dimensional photographs so that each processed photograph may bemerged with other processed photographs or three-dimensional computerrendered images having similar attribute values to form a realisticmontage. Additionally, the present invention utilizes computer imagingsoftware methods to automatically extract lighting, perspective, andscale information from digitized photographs.

The present invention relates to the use of a three-dimensional targetdevice, having known dimensions and shape, which is placed within aphotograph at the time of capture. When photographed, the embeddedtarget device may reveal different geometric outline profiles and,additionally, light reflection and shadow characteristics when viewedand illuminated from various angles. For example, one possible targetdevice configuration is considered to be a flat disc having a sphericaldome center. The target device, also known as a composite target mayinclude a colored-coded or patterned circular band around itscircumference so that its boundaries may be easily identified incontrast to the natural color fields within a photograph. In addition,the target device may include a neutral white surface, oriented upwards,to provide for a measurement of the apparent color hue of light thatilluminates the indexed photograph. The spherical dome center of thetarget device provides a visual reference indicator as to direction ofone or more light sources in much the same way the position of the sunmay be ascertained from viewing the Earth's moon. In another embodiment,the condition of the dome surface may be treated in such a manner toproduce a finish that reveals spectral highlights to determinecomparative levels of light diffusion and ambiance.

Another aspect of the present invention is a process of digitallyanalyzing photographic images with specialized software to determinelighting and shadow conditions such as a vertical and horizontaldirection of light sources in relation to a target device, degree oflight diffusion, degree of ambient illumination, and light color. Forexample, a partial embodiment of the present invention software derives,through algorithms, the apparent perspective and ground surface anglesin relation to the camera position, and comparative scale factor of apoint within an image as it relates to the position of an embeddedtarget device.

The software enables users to automatically process single or multiplebatches of image files so that an encapsulated string of data iselectronically associated with, embedded into, or in representationthereof specific image files in a computer file system or database. Inan example of the software component of the present invention, a useranalyzes and assigns such data to allow efficient searching of imagefile records in a computer system, network storage device, or Internetaccessible server.

In another aspect of the current invention, intermediate software allowsa user to utilize assigned image specific lighting, perspective, andscale data to automatically generate three-dimensional computer renderedscenes that match said image files using common animation softwareprograms. In this example, the environmental attributes of the sourceimage are referenced so that the simulated lighting and camera positionsare fixed to match the conditions of the source image. A photographer,for instance, may photograph a human subject in a blue-screen studio,and then subsequently have a background environment created within athree-dimensional CAD (Computer Aided Design) system with lighting,perspective and scale matching the subject photograph.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects of the invention are illustrated so that theattributes and advantages may be become well understood in theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 includes diagrams illustrating an example of the use of a targetdevice within a subject and background image;

FIG. 2 includes diagrams illustrating an exemplary associated graphdisplaying a method in which a target device is located within a subjectimage;

FIG. 3 includes diagrams illustrating an exemplary associated graphdisplaying a method in which a target device is located within abackground image;

FIG. 4 is a sample illustration of signatures of a target device fromvarious angles;

FIG. 5 is a diagram that demonstrates the resulting viewing angle of theground surface when photographed from a low position;

FIG. 6 is a diagram that demonstrates the resulting viewing angle of theground surface when photographed from a high position;

FIG. 7 includes diagrams that demonstrate an aspect ratio of a targetdevice viewed at two different angles for the purpose of calculating aviewing angle of the ground surface in a photograph;

FIG. 8 includes diagrams that illustrate an example calculated scanregion in which lighting directional data is ascertained;

FIG. 9 is a diagram and graph depicting the hypothetical results ofscanning across a highlighted area of the dome shape of the targetdevice;

FIG. 10 is a series of exemplary illustrations which demonstrate theeffects of various light sources in regard to the surface of the domeshape of the target device;

FIG. 11 includes exemplary illustrations which demonstrate the shadowdetail difference between diffused lighting and direct lighting on thesurface of the dome shape of the target device;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a derivation of relative scale from aphotograph that includes various target devices;

FIG. 13 is a diagram that illustrates a measurement of a sampling pointlocation on a target device;

FIG. 14 is a diagram that illustrates a determination of sampling pointson a target device to determine a vanishing point perspective factor;

FIG. 15 is an exemplary illustration that demonstrates the effect ofoptical perspective between two similar camera views;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram that includes two views of a targetdevice; and

FIG. 17 is a set of diagrams that demonstrate an exemplary use of thecurrent invention for multi-frame cinematography composites, inaccordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is directed to a system that automaticallyanalyzes and records specific illumination and positioning attributevalues of individual photographic images, such as scenic backgroundimages and subject images. The photographic images are assignedattributes, so that they may be combined with other images havingsimilar attributes into a single photo-realistic montage. As usedherein, the term “attributes” includes, but is not limited to, lightingdirection, perspective, and scale. A user of the present invention forexample, may photograph a subject in a studio, and then photograph aseparate background image so that each image is photographed withsimilar attributes. The user may photograph either image before theother, for the purpose of matching attributes from the first image tothe second image. In another embodiment, the user photographs andrecords the attributes of a subject image, then subsequently searches afile system, network storage device, Internet accessible server, ordatabase for background images having corresponding attribute values.Alternatively, the user photographs and records a subject image,according to its attributes. The recorded attributes or attribute valuesof the subject image may be used to create virtual reality backgroundsproduced from a three-dimensional computer model rendering of anenvironment having similar lighting, perspective, and scale conditions.In another embodiment, the aspects of the present invention may beattributed to producing coordinated virtual reality backgrounds formotion picture composites.

The process of coordinating various independent images into a realisticcomposite is demonstrated in the exemplary illustrations of FIG. 1 for aprocess of transposing a subject image (101) into a background image(108). In this example, a human figure (103) is photographed against ablue-screen seamless backdrop (104) with a studio light source (105)placed in a similar position to that of the natural or syntheticallyrendered light source (110) present in the background image. The humanfigure (103) is digitally separated from the blue-screen seamlessbackdrop (104) and placed into the background image (108). The twophotographs are matched by virtue of having similar characteristicsrevealed by a target device (102) placed on the ground at the base ofthe human figure (103) in the subject image (101). In one embodiment,the target devices in the subject and background image are matched by:locating a photographed background image via searching a database oftarget-embedded background images according to a set of queried valuesrelating to the target device placed in the subject photograph. Inanother embodiment, the target devices in the subject and backgroundimage are matched by modifying the conditions of a photographed subjectimage during its capture to match the target device values in thebackground image. In yet another embodiment, the target devices in thesubject and background image are matched by producing a computerrendered virtual reality background image that matches the target valuesof a photographed subject image. In still another embodiment, the targetdevices in the subject and background image are matched by producing acomputer rendered virtual reality subject image to match the targetvalues of a photographed background image.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes the use of digitalimaging software and algorithms that aid in the process of locating andanalyzing an embedded target device within a photograph. The diagrams ofFIG. 2 demonstrate target device (203) located within a digital subjectphotograph image (201). In this example, the subject photograph (201) ishorizontally scanned by converting the image to an array of pixels toidentify a high color luminescence value emanating from a color-codedring (211) of the target device (203) that is placed at the base of thesubject (212). The ‘Color Luminance Curve’ (205) illustrates saidresulting scan values from a specific scan line (204) where ‘X’ (206)equals the horizontal distance from the left edge of the photograph and‘Y’ (207) equals the color luminescence value. In this example, thecolor-coded ring (211) of the target device produces high luminescencevalues (208). The location of the target device (203) may be determinedby compiling the results of the scan line information into a databaselookup table and recording horizontal and vertical Cartesiancoordinates. A visual representation of the target device (203) locationwithin a photographic-image is displayed in a scan plot (210) where thehigh luminescence values create a signature (209) of the target device(203).

In a similar fashion to FIG. 2, the diagrams of FIG. 3 demonstrate how atarget device is located within a digitized environment backgroundphotograph. As with the foregoing, the background image (301) ishorizontally scanned to identify a high color luminescence valueemanating from the target device (303) that is placed on a surfacewithin the background image (301). The ‘Color Luminance Curve’ (305)illustrates the resulting scan values from a specific scan line (304)where ‘X’ (306) equals the horizontal distance from the left edge of thephotograph and ‘Y’ (307) equals the color luminescence value. In thisexample, a t color-coded ring (302) of the target device (303) producesa high luminescence value (308). A visual representation of the targetdevice (303) location within the background image (301) may be displayedin a scan plot (310) and the high luminescence values create a targetsignature (309).

Not withstanding similar variations of the foregoing examples, othermethods of detecting said target devices within a digital image includethe use of: HSL, HSV, LAB, RGB and other digital image color spaces, andmay incorporate the use of such algorithms that employ particle analysisto locate geometric shapes.

In one embodiment, the software includes the ability to compensate forthe effect of various ground surface angles in reference to the cameraposition when identifying the target device. The illustration of FIG. 4displays various scan signatures resulting from the target device whenviewed from a camera at different angles to the ground surface. In thisexample, the left most signature (401) represents a target photographedat a low angle to the ground surface, and the right most signature (402)represents a target photographed at a high angle to the ground surface.

With the foregoing considered, FIGS. 5 and 6 generally demonstrate howto obtain the angle “A” in which the ground surface (507 and 607) of aphotograph is oriented in relation to the camera lens (502 and 602),known as apparent ground surface angle. In this example, FIG. 5illustrates the capture of a photograph with a low ground surface anglevalue, while FIG. 6 illustrates the capture of a photograph with a highground surface angle value. Generally, a composite image having visibleground surface contact with the overlaid subject image component(s) isconsidered to be more realistic if the ground angle between all thecollective images within the composite is similar. The ground surfaceangle value (505 and 605) is determined by measuring the angle betweenthe horizontal ground surface plane (503 and 603) and a line drawn froma point in the center of the target device (501 and 601) to the centerof the camera lens (502 and 602). The ground surface angle value (505and 605) is generally measured from an axis point at the base of thesubject (506 and 606).

Using computer image analysis software, FIG. 7 demonstrates how a groundsurface angle value is mathematically ascertained from the relativeposition of the target device (702 and 706) placed into a photographwith respect to the viewing position of the camera. The ellipticalsignature shape of the target identifier ring (701 and 705) of thetarget device (702 and 706) within a photograph differs based on theposition of the camera. Vertical and horizontal measurements are madefrom the outer boundaries of the target ring (701 and 705). FIG. 7illustrates the difference of a target device (702 and 706) at a lowground surface angle view and a high ground surface angle view where thewidth values ‘X’ (703 and 707) are divided by the height values ‘Y’ (704and 708) to determine an aspect ratio value. In another method, amathematical ellipse is fitted to the target signature to ascertain bothground surface angle and axial moment angle (tilt angle) of the targetdevice.

Often, the visual reality of a composite image is dependent on uniformvisual attributes between the collective image components containedwithin the composite image, among other factors. FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11illustrate examples of how light qualities such as relative direction inrelation to camera position, degree of diffusion, and degree of ambianceare ascertained from a digital image.

The diagrams of FIG. 8 demonstrate how to locate a region within thetarget area of a photographed image, where the region is used toidentify such attributes as light source direction, light diffusion, andlight ambiance. In one embodiment, a smooth, hemispherical shape or domeshape (802) located in the center of the target device (801) is used toreflect a key light source or multiple light sources so that thespectral reflective properties of the surface of the dome shape (802)reveal the horizontal and vertical direction of light. To determinelight direction by means of digital analysis, a scan sample region ofthe target signature as previously described is isolated by thedefinition of a 180-degree arc as indicated by the dotted line (806).The center point of the arc boundary lies on the intersection of ahorizontal line dividing the target signature height Y (804) and avertical line dividing the target signature width X (803). The arc has aspecified height H (805). The arc boundary remains constant inconsideration of the various target-device viewing angles (807) withrespect to the scheme of locating the arc boundary from the center ofthe target signature. The diagrams of FIG. 9 illustrate how to extractspecific lighting values from within the area of the dome shape (901) ofa target device (801) as shown in FIG. 8. In instances other thanconditions of highly diffused or omnipresent light, the dome shape (901)is generally illuminated unevenly, resulting in both highlight areas(902) and shadow areas (903). A series of sequential horizontal scanlines (904) determine lightness and darkness values as illustrated inthe Lightness Curve graph (909). In this example, a specific scan line(908) is calculated within the defined arc area of the target device(801) shown in FIG. 8 by a function of length S (907) and verticaloffset P (906). The highlight reflection area of the main light source(912) is indicated by a relatively high lightness value in the Ydimension (911). Shadow areas of the dome are identified by a lowlightness value in the Y dimension (913) while the horizontal locationof the foregoing values is determined by the X dimension (910) of theLightness Curve graph (909). In one embodiment, a lookup table of scanline lightness values having specific location coordinates are comparedto a known table of values to determine the elevation and horizontaldirection of a light source in a photographed image. Consideration forthe ground surface angle of a target device may be determined from theaspect ratio calculated in FIG. 8 as it relates to a known table ofvalues that vary depending on the viewing angle of the target device.

Not withstanding variations of the foregoing, other methods ofdetermining the relative position of light reflection and shadow mayalso be accomplished by way of particle analysis. Mathematicalalgorithms may also be used in place of a know table of values tocalculate the position of light.

The exemplary illustrations of FIG. 10 demonstrate a geometriccalculation of light direction from the surface of the target dome(1003). A light source (1001) causes illumination of the nearest pointon the hemisphere (1002) so that it affects the visual appearance of thesphere from the position of the camera (1005). A portion of light(1004), and varying degrees thereof, emitted from the light source andreflected off the target dome (1003) of the target device (1008) reachesthe lens of the camera (1005) so as to create a visual effect similar tolunar illumination from the sun (1007) as viewed from a camera (1005).Back light (1009), front light (1010), and side light (1011) eachproduce different measurable effects, which are analyzed and digitallyplotted to determine light source direction from a two-dimensionalcamera view (1006).

A factor in creating visually real composite images is the consistencyof illumination quality between the collective photographic components.In one example, the illumination quality is measured as the degree ofdiffusion pertaining to each present light source and overall degree ofambient fill light. The exemplary illustrations of FIG. 11 depict thedifference in illumination from an unfiltered direct light source (1101)in comparison to a diffused light source (1107). For example, thealigned rays of light in the direct light source example cast a hard orsharp shadow effect (1104) on the first target dome (1103). Conversely,the rays of light in the diffused light source example cause asoft-edged shadow effect (1110) on the second target dome (1109). Withregard to the Lightness Curve graph of FIG. 9, a digital scan of theforegoing light direction analysis scheme produces an identifiable sharpcurve in direct light conditions and a gradual rounded curve in diffusedlight conditions. The comparative degree of ambient light is measured inthe same manner by comparing the contrast difference between thelightest area (1105 and 1111) of each target dome (1103 and 1109) to thedarkest area (1106 and 1112) of each target dome (1103 and 1109). Inthis example, successive horizontal scan samplings of the area of eachtarget dome (1103 and 1109) are digitally recorded and compared to aknown table of values to determine the overall degree of diffusion andambiance. The overall degree of diffusion and ambiance is stated as acomparative percentage of influence in relation to the strongest lightsource. The highest degree of diffusion may correspond to a value of100% whereas the light encompasses 180 degrees such as with overcastsky, while pure direct light such as the unfiltered light of the sun maycorrespond to a value of 0%. For example, the highest degree of ambientomnipresent light may be recorded as a value of 100% and a single lightsource in an all black room may effectively produce a value of 0%ambiance.

Alternatively, to using a spherical dome method for determiningillumination direction and intensity may include various symmetricallyfaceted geometric shapes. Such shapes for instance may be analyzed withparticle analysis software to determine and compare shade values ofspecific facets. In this example, facets presented with various anglesin relation to a light source produce different reflective and shadecharacteristics when viewed from a camera position.

With the foregoing and with other parameters considered, anotherembodiment of the current invention is directed to geometricallyinfluencing automatic virtual reality shadow casting routines such asthose used by digital image rendering software programs. In thisembodiment, the user photographs a subject with the target device, thenanalyzes and records such data to automatically and synthetically castrealistic shadows having lighting attributes substantially similar tothe attributes of the subject image.

The diagram of FIG. 12 illustrates how aspects of the invention may beused to measure and record relative dimensional scale of a photograph(1201) in relation to specific known target devices. In one embodiment,the width, A (1206), B (1207), or C (1208), of each target device(1203-1205) placed within the photograph (1201) is divided by theoverall width, D (1209), of the photograph (1201) to calculate aspecific scale value. In the example illustrated, each proportionatelyidentical target device (1203-1205) has a unique size affiliated with aspecific color ring to determine a uniform scale measurement factor. Ifthe medium (e.g., green) target device (1203) at left has a scale factorof ‘1’, then the small (e.g., red) target device (1204) at center has ascale correction factor of ‘2’ and the large (e.g., orange) targetdevice (1205) on the right has a scale correction factor of ‘0.5’. Forexample, if the software algorithm finds a green target, then theassociative scale of the image is known. The various sized targetdevices (1203-1205) allow the photograph (1201) to be captured withproportionately sized targets relative to the true scale of the imagewithout excessive impairment to the image quality. In this example, themedium target device (1203) with a scale factor of ‘1’ is used forcapturing a human figure (1202). The small target device (1204) is usedin conjunction with small objects such as jewelry or dishware, and thelarge target device (1205) is used in conjunction with large objectssuch as tents or automobiles.

One of the aspects of the invention is to utilize such target devicedesigns that are proportionality scaled and uniquely identified from anyviewing angle by color regions or geometric patterns and graphicmarkings.

Another factor in the creation of realistic montages is the uniformityof light temperature illumination between the collective componentimages of a composite. The diagram of FIG. 13 illustrates measuringapparent light color temperature from a signature of a target device(1301). In one embodiment, a known white point is sampled such thatdigital image analysis software consistently meters and records specificareas of the target device (1301). A color field (1302), such as a flatneutral white material, is affixed to the target device (1301). One oftwo sampling points (1303 or 1304) of the target device (1301) isunaffected by the shadow cast from the target dome, and is selected tometer the color hue value of the color field (1302) in comparison to aneutral color standard. In one example, the two sampling points (1303and 1304) are located by horizontally measuring a distance A (1305) or B(1306) from the left edge of the target device (1301). The left samplingpoint (1303) is located a distance of A (1305) from the left edge of thetarget device (1301), and the right sampling point (1304) is a distanceof B (1306). The two sampling points (1303 and 1304) are located along ahorizontal line that divides the signature of the target device (1301).

In addition, a uniform perspective measurement, known as a vanishingpoint perspective factor, may be influential in creating realisticcomposites. The diagram of FIG. 14 demonstrates an exemplary method bywhich a vanishing point perspective factor is ascertained from asignature of a target device (1401). A vertical scan line (1402) bisectsthe target device (1401) across an area of unobstructed vision on atarget identifier ring (1407). Four measurement points (1404-1406) arelocated on the vertical scan line (1402) at the transitional colorboundaries of the target identifier ring (1407). In one embodiment, theposition of the vertical scan line (1402) is calculated according to aproportionate offset distance A (1408) as a function of the width X(1412) of the target device (1401) so that the dome shape (1409) of thetarget device (1401) is avoided. A ratio calculated by comparing thedistance B (1410) between the back two measurement points (1403 and1404) and the distance C (1411) between the front two measurement points(1405 and 1406) results in establishing a vanishing point perspectivefactor. In one aspect of the present invention, the vanishing pointperspective factor is compared with a table of known values to provide auser with an indication of camera lens length. As an example, a user mayconvey intended camera lens lengths between a subject and backgroundimage photo-shoot. The illustration of FIG. 15 demonstrates the effectof optical perspective between two similar camera views. The left view(1501) is that of a short camera lens which produces a wide angleeffect, while the right view (1502) depicts that of a long camera lensthat produces a substantially isometric effect.

In one embodiment, the target device is a rigid flat disc or discportion having a three-dimensional shaped central portion. The diagramsof FIG. 16 illustrate an exemplary target device having a domedspherical center section and a circular disc portion. Other shapes maybe utilized for the three-dimensional shaped central portion, such as aninverted cone with a domed surface, a vertical shaft topped with asphere, or other symmetrical combinations of three-dimensional shapes.The symmetry of the three-dimensional central portion allows the targetdevice to be photographed from any position. Other shapes may also beused for the disc portion, such as a rectangular disc, elliptical disc,rings or other shapes that are symmetrical to allow the target device tobe photographed from any position. In one embodiment, the target device(1600) is proportionately dimensioned and produced in various sizes. Thediagram (1610) of FIG. 16 illustrates exemplary dimensions for thetarget device (1600). In another embodiment, the target device (1600) isproduced in relational unit measurements according to a determinedstandard such as one unit of measure equaling ten centimeters. In yetanother embodiment, the target device (1600) is produced in varioussizes relative to specific color codes that are identified by digitalimage analysis software. The color codes invoke scale correctionvariables from the digital image analysis software and are applied incalculating the scale factor of an indexed photograph. Concentric colorrings are used to increase the digital visibility of the target device.In one example, a color ring (1601) of either fluorescent green, red,orange, yellow, pink or blue material may be applied to the targetdevice surface. Any color pattern which contrasts with a surroundingenvironment and is identifiable by such digital imaging software may beused in the target device (1600). In one embodiment, an outer border(1602) of dark or light colored material that contrasts with the targetcolor ring is included on the target device (1600) for visual separationbetween the color ring (1601) and the environmental surroundings. Acenter ring (1603) of a neutral light color density such as a flat whitematerial included on the target device (1600) is used to measure lightcolor and perceived temperature. The target device (1600) includes aprotruding spherical feature or dome shape (1604) at its center formeasuring such attributes as light direction, light diffusion, and lightambiance. The target device (1600) also comprises a surface, such as thesurface of the domed shape (1604), which reflects spectral light rays.In one embodiment, the target device (1600) is symmetric from allhorizontal viewing positions of equal height so that a specificorientation is not required. In another embodiment, the target device(1600) includes a recess or a protrusion (not shown) at a centerposition on the bottom side of the target device (1600) to allow thetarget device to be securely mounted atop a common stand or other device(not shown) to elevate the target device above ground. In addition, thetarget device (1600) may include other means to allow the target deviceto be elevated to a horizontal position above ground.

The various foregoing aspects and traits of the present invention alsoapply to sequential frame photography mediums such as motion pictures,video, multimedia and other forms of animated photographic imagery. Theillustrations of FIG. 17 demonstrate an exemplary use of the currentinvention in a coordinated and sequentially key-framed transitionalmovement of a motion-image-capture device such as a motion picturecamera or video camera. In one embodiment, a human figure or othersubject (1702) is filmed in front of a seamless blue-screen backdrop(1701) with the target device (1703) placed within the visible imagearea. In this example, the subject (1702) is illuminated from a lightsource (1707). The subject camera (1704) pans from a left position alonga trajectory (1705) to an end position. A concurrent background image(1708) is either filmed or animated in the same manner as the foregoingsubject example. The background camera (1709) may move from left toright along an equal trajectory (1710) as the subject camera (1704). Inthis example, the target device (1703) directs the simulated position ofthe computer cameras and the attributes of a light source (1712) in thebackground image (1708) so that combining live footage with computeranimation may produce a realistic motion picture composite (1713).

While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described andfurther illustrated, it will be appreciated that various changes may bemade therein without departing from the intended scope of the invention.

1. An apparatus for determining attributes of a digital image,comprising: a bottom portion; and a a three dimensional shape havingknown dimensions that is placed located on the bottom portion; andwherein the bottom portion and the three dimensional shape are operativeto enable the discovery of the attributes of the digital image.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion comprises a discportion that includes concentric, contrasting rings that are color-codedto increase visibility of the apparatus within the digital image.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the concentric rings are color patternswhich contrast with a surrounding environment and are identifiable bydigital imaging software.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the discportion further includes an outer border of colored material thatcontrasts with the concentric, contrasting rings such that the outerborder provides a visual separation between the concentric, contrastingrings and environmental surroundings included in the digital image. 5.The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the environmental surroundingscomprise at least one of a background and a subject that are captured inthe image.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the concentric,contrasting rings include a ring of a neutral light color density thatenables a measurement of light color and perceived temperatureassociated with the digital image.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2, whereinthe three-dimensional shaped portion enables a measurement of at leastone of light direction, light diffusion, and light ambiance associatedwith the digital image.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprisinggraphical patterns on the surface of at least one of the disc portionand the three-dimensional shaped portion, such that the relative size ofthe apparatus is determined by examining the graphical patterns.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional shaped portionincludes at least one of a substantially spherical, elliptical, andfaceted surface.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the disc is oneof substantially circular, and substantially square in shape.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a surface arranged to reflectspectral light rays.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the discportion is symmetric from horizontal views of equal height, such thatfurther orientation of the apparatus is avoided when the apparatus isplaced on a level surface and digital images are captured from differentpoints of reference.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising anelevating device to raise the apparatus a predetermined height.
 14. Amethod for determining attributes of a digital image, comprising:locating a three-dimensional target device within the digital image;measuring attributes associated with the target device; andautomatically associating the attributes of the target device with thedigital image such that the digital image assigned with the attributes.15. The method of claim 14, wherein associating the attributes furthercomprises storing the attributes in a database in association with thedigital image.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein associating theattributes further comprises embedding the attributes into the digitalimage.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein locating the target devicefurther comprises scanning the digital image for a high colorluminescence value emanating from the target device such that a colorluminance curve may be generated, and examining the color luminancecurve to determine the distance of the target device from an edge of thedigital image.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein locating the targetdevice further comprises initiating at least one of particle analysisand color space analysis to determine the position of the target device.19. The method of claim 14, wherein locating the target device furthercomprises scanning the digital image for a geometric shape correspondingto the target device. 20-28. (canceled)
 29. An apparatus for indexing adigital image with visual attributes, comprising: a means for locating atarget device within a digital image, wherein the target device includesa three-dimensional shaped portion; a means for measuring visualattributes associated with the target device by examining at least oneof the disc portion and the three-dimensional shaped portion; and ameans for associating the visual attributes of the target device withthe digital image, such that the digital image is indexed with thevisual attributes.